Hair clipper



Patented Jan. 26, 1943 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE 1 HAIR CLIPPER Leo W. Doggett, Chicago, Ill.

Application July 10, 1940, Serial No. 344,628

14 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in hair clippers and in particular to a clipper capable not only of trimming the fringes of the scalp but also of cutting an even surface on hair of considerable length or depth.

The conventional hair clipper is an instrument for cutting hair fairly short, as for example the sides of the head, and is not generally used in cutting those parts of the head where it is intended that the locks of hair shall remain long. The reason for this is that such a clipper provides no means for spacing its cutting zone at any great distance from the scalp while keeping the cutting edges at approximately right angles to the hairs as they are cut.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a means such as a comb for raising the hair from the scalp in the direction of a cutting zone which by manipulation of the clipper may be readily advanced toward or receded from the scalp throughout a very substantial range while maintaining the cutting edge at approximately right angles to the hair. A cutter which will do this is to be contrasted with the conventional clipper which comprises a serrated plate, the teeth,

of which are in cutting engagement with the tines of a comb, the comb and the plate being in substantially parallel relationship. The comb has a heel and the bottom surface of the comb which engages the scalp tapers toward the tips of the combs tines so that an operator by rocking the clipper back on its heel will raise the cutting edge away from the scalp. In so doing a the comb ceases to scrape the scalp and ceases to direct all of the hairs toward the cutting edge with this important result that while this does not impair the functioning of the clipper in cutting all hairs for short work, as for example along the lower sides of the head where the hair tends to stand out from the scalp, it permits the clipper to pass over hairs lying close to the scalp in long work.

One object of this invention is to provide a clipper having a receding cutting zone by which is meant a cutting zone which recedes from the scalp as the angle of the tines of the comb with the scalp is increased. It will be noted that such a cutting zone is the converse of that in use in existing clippers for in these, in order to cut hair short, one presses the tips of the tines of the comb toward the scalp and in so doing brings the cutting zone closer to the scalp, while if one desires to cause the cutting zone to recede from the scalp, one rocks the clipper back toward its heel thereby raising the cutting zone and comb from the scalp. The conventional clipper for purposes of this application is said to have an approaching cutting zone and is useful in trim ming Work. Applicants hair cutter on the other hand has a receding cutting zone and where a cutting instrument embodies only this receding cutting zone, it is to be used in conjunction with a convention-a1 clipper. Thus, an operator will use a conventional clipper up an inch or two along the side of the head and will then use my clipper to move into higher zones where the hair is to be cut longer.

A feature of applicants invention which makes possible a receding cutting zone is the provision of a special comb having elongated tines projecting downwardly and outwardly from the cutting zone and terminating in a slightly curving surface to be moved along the scalp. These tines terminate in rounded tips, the tips being at the greatestdistance from the cutting zone with the result that as the operator inclines the comb toward the head he causes the cutting zone to recede from the head. In doing this he does not impair the combs function in raising the hairs from the head toward the cutting zone.

A second object of this invention is so to shape the scalp engaging surface of the comb that it will tend to conform to the curvature of the aver age head so that an operator can obtain a practically vertical side cut on the head although the scalp itself is receding. This enables an operator to move rapidly over that upper side portion of the head which at present requires much time for a hand trimming operation.

A further object of this invention is to combine in a single instrument. applicants clipper having a receding cutting zone with a clipper having an approaching cutting zone in such a manner that the operator can shift from one to the other in minimum time. A feature contributing toward this end is'the provision of a double-edged comb in which "the tines at one side taper to a point adjacent to the cutting edge of a serrated cutting plate While the tines along the other side are of the elongated type heretofore mentioned, together with means for rotating the comb and cutting assembly on a pivot whereby either side of the comb may be brought into operable position with respect to the scalp.' By this construction an operator'can clip the lower edges of the head of hair as now and then by rotating the head degrees may bring up the receding cutting zone which may then be used to cut the locks of hair further up on the side of the head.

at Another object of this invention is to make it possible for the operator to swing the clipper in convenient arcs so as to reach portions of the scalp which are difficult to reach with a clipper. This renders it unnecessary for the operator to keep moving around the head. I provide a means for positioning the cutting zone at fortyfive and ninety degree angles with respect to the handle of the clipper and for changing from position to position quickly.

Toward attaining'the above broad objects, I provide a plurality of new and novel features. Among these is the use of a spring for holding the serrated cutting plate against the cutting surface of the comb whereby the cutting edges are self-sharpening. Another feature is the provision of an easily operable yoke member for engaging a plurality of notches in a bushing mounted on a pivot about which the clipper is free to turn whereby moving the clipper to any desired position may be readily effected. Another feature of my invention is the provision of simplified means for coupling a motor driven shaft to the reciprocating serrated cutter plate. In one of the embodiments of applicants invention this is done in a fashion which materially reduces the height of the operable mechanism above the clipper.

These and such other objects as may hereinafter appear are attained in the several embodiments of my invention disclosed in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side View partly in elevation and partly in section showing applicants improved clipper in operable engagement with the side of a head of hair;

Figure 2 is a plan view with the lid over a portion of the operable mechanism removed;

Figure 3 is a view in section taken on the line 33 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the serrated cutting plate;

Figure 5 is a view in section of a combination clipper;

Figure 6 is a view taken on the line 66 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a view in section taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a view taken on the line 8ll of Figure 5;

Figure 9 is a view in section of a modified form of a combination clipper;

Figure 10 is a view taken on the line I 6I6 Figure 9; and

Figure 11 is a sectional View showing the thrust bearing employed in both embodiments of the combination clipper shown in Figures 5 through 11.

Continuing to refer to the drawings, in Figure 1 a receding cutting zone is provided by means of a serrated cutting plate I0 having a row of teeth I2 positioned in cutting relationship with a comb I4 having elongated tines IS. The serrated cutting plate ID and the comb I4 are held in assembled relationship by means of screws such as IE5, see Figure 3, seated in shoulders I8 on a main casting 20. The serrated cutting plate ID lies between the surface 22 of the comb l4 and a channel portion 24 of the main casting 20 and interference with the shoulders I8 is eliminated by providing slots 26 and 28, see Figure 4, which exceed in length the width of the shoulders I6 and permit sideward repicrocating movement of the serrated cutting plate). This cutting plate II] has a central hole 36 therein terior into which is inserted a tip 32 of an arm 34 pivoted at 36. Referring to Figure 2, this arm 34 terminates in a yoke member 38 straddling a cam 46. This cam 40 is rotatable on a shaft 42 which carries a pinion gear 44 and is journalled in a strengthened portion 46 of the casting 26, see Figure 1. The pinion gear 44 is in mesh with a worm gear 48 disposed on a shaft 50 which is driven by any suitable means such as a motor contained within'the housing 52. The spring 54 presses the serrated cutting plate I6 against the comb l4 so that the teeth I2 and the cutting surface 22 of the tines I6 will be self-sharpening. A cover member 56 affords access to the above described operable elements and is held in assembled relationship by any suitable means.

The embodiment of applicants invention shown in Figures 1 through 4 discloses a hair cutting instrument which enables an operator to move the tips I6, which are suitably rounded, into engagement with the scalp while causing the cutting zone at 22 to be moved away from the scalp. It will be noted that the hair will be cut shortest at the point 58 and that the longest cut possible is defined by the distance 62 which will function under those comparatively rare circumstances when the surface 66 is at right angles to the head of hair.

Attention is now invited to the curvature 63 of the scalp engaging surface of the tines. This curvature is intended to approximate the average curvature of the side of the human head so that by rocking gradually the cutter toward the side of the head as the cutting progresses upwardly, the cutting zone 22 will move along almost a vertical path, and will remain at substantially right angles to the hair throughout.

A second embodiment of applicant's invention is disclosed in Figures 5 through 8 and comprises a combination hair clipper. Referring to Figure 5, a receding cutting zone 10 and an approaching cutting zone 12 are provided between a cutting plate 74 having two rows of teeth 16 and 78, which are in engagement with a row of elongated tines 8D and tapering tines B2 of a comb 84. Both the cutting zone Ill and 12 are in single planes to facilitate machining although curved cutting surfaces may be used. The cutting plate 14, like the cutting plate shown in Figure l, has two inwardly directed cut-out portions or guides which bear the numbers 86 and 88 in Figure 7. Ridin in these guides 86 and 88 are brackets 90 and 92, respectively, which are fastened to the comb 84 by screws 84 and 96. Referring to Figure 5, it will be noted that the brackets 96 and 92 are part of a single stamping 98 having a circular openin The stamping 98, therefore, engages the upper surfaces of the cutter plate 14 and holds that plate in assembled relationship with the comb 84. Centrally of and transversely of the cutter plate 14 is a channel I38, see Figures 5 and 7, in which may reciprocate a driving element or slide I62 having a central opening I64. In this opening I64 rides a cylindrical lug I06 which is mounted eccentrically on the end of a shaft I08. This shaft 168 is journalled in a bushing IIO which is held in assembled 'rela tionship with the stamping '98 by threaded engagement'at I12. The bushing H6 has an inshoulder H4 which engages an enlarged portionllii of the shaft I68 and holds it in assembled relationship with the cutter plate 14 and the came 8 Referring tdFi'g'ure 8; the

, mounted on the shaft directed shoulder ns integral therewith which bushing III] has a plurality of notches II8 lying in the same plane as a tooth I29 of a yoke member I 22 which straddles the bushing I59, and referring to Figure 5, has toward the rear an upturned bracket I24 having a hole I28 therein. A set screw I28 and a spring I39 holds the yoke member I22 in yielding engagement with a main casting I32. This yoke member, therefore, not only provides a means for holding the clipper in one of a plurality of positions with respect to the main casting I32 by means of the tooth I29 and notches H8, but by means of its arm members I34 and I38, shown in Figure 8, engages the underside of a shoulder on the bushing Iii] and hence holds the entire clipper operable head in assembled relationship with the main casting I32.

The shaft I98, referring to Figure 5, has a key way i 38 into which may be tightened a set screw Mt forholding in assembled relationship a pinion gear 32. The upper end of the shaft I88 may be journalled at It; in a part of the main casting I32 or in a small cover member I46 which may be fastened to the main casting I32 by any suitable means and which will provide access to the various gears.

The means for driving the shaft 33 is evident from Figure 6 Where it appears that the pinion gear I 42 is in engagement with the worm I48 I59 journalled in the main casting I32. The shaft I58 carries a bevel gear I52 in mesh with a bevel gear 54 on a drive shaft I56 rotated by any suitable means such as a motor contained in the housing I58.

The cylindrical driving lug R88 may have a construction similar to that shown in Figure 11 where a chamber I89 contains a thrust bearin I52 and a spring I6 1, Again referring to Figure 5, it will be noted that the thrust bearing I62 is pressed against the cutter plate It which is urged against the tines 8i! and 82 of the comb 84 by virtue of the fact that the enlarged portion H6 of the shaft I88 is held by means of the bushing 1 iii, the stamping 98, and the screws 94 and 99, to the comb 84.

Reviewing now the advantages of the second embodiment of applicants invention, it will be noted that each cut-ting zone may occupy five operating positions with reference to the main casting I32, namely, a straight forward position shown in Figures 5, 6 and 8, or positions to right or left of forty-five and ninety degrees, the positions being determined, referring to Figure 8, by the notches II 8 in the bushing H9 with reference to the tooth I29 on the yoke member I22. By referring to Figure 5, it will be observed that the yoke member I22 may be moved to the rear against the action of the spring I39 suiiioiently far to cause the tooth I28 to clear the notches H8 and permit a rotational movement of the clipper head. An operator is free to turn either the receding cutting zone or the approaching cutting zone into one of the five operable positions and this may be done very quickly while working on the head of hair.

The third embodiment of this invention is shown in Figures 9 through 11 and differs from the second embodiment in the method of driving the vertically disposed shaft corresponding to I88 which in Figure 9 is given the number I10. All of the structure below theshaft I79 including the bushing I12 is sufficiently similar to the structure described in the second embodiment, not to necessitate repetition, although it will be assists the yoke member I18 in holding the clipper head in assembled relationship with the casting I14.

Affixed to the upper end of the shaft I19. is a disc I89 in one portion of which is a pin I82 carrying the ball member I84. Referring to both Figures 9 and 10, the main casting I'M carries a guideway I86 in which rides a reciprocable member or slide I88 having a pin I99 and ball I92. The numeral I94 identifies a shaft driven by any suitable means such as the motor in the housing I96 and carries on its end a worm I98 in driving engagement with a pinion gear 288 mounted on a shaft 282 journalled in the main casting I'M. On the upper end of the shaft 282 is a disc 294 carrying a pin 299 and ball 288. The three balls I84, I92 and 208 are maintained in the same relative position to each other by means of a link member 2I9 having a plurality of cup members 2I2, 2M and 2I5 in which the balls E85, I92 and 208 are respectively seated.

The operation of this embodiment of the clipper is evident. Referring to Figure 10, if the disc 204 is being moved in a counter-clockwise direc tion, the link member 2I9 pivoting on the ball I92 will impart a clockwise motion to the disc I89, the slide I88 being free to move backwardly and forwardly. The advantage of this construction is that it materially reduces the height of the clipper and in this respect should be compared to the second embodiment in Figures 5 through 8.

Reviewing now the three embodiments of this invention, the first presents a cutter having a receding cutting zone Which' makes it possible for an operator by swinging the handle or housing 52 outwardly and holding the elongated tines 13 of the comb l4 next to the scalp to make a fairly noted that the main casting I14 has an inwardly straight vertical out at the side of the head while maintaining the cutting zone at 22 at approximately right angles to the hair fed into it. This type of cutter will be used in conjunction with conventional clippers already in use.

The other two embodiments of this invention show combination clippers which may be positioned at various angles with respect to the handle without impairing the free operation of the cutting plates on the combs with the result that an operator is provided with a tool capable of making a wide range of cuts from short to long while functioning to direct the hair toward the cutting zone at all times.v

It will be appreciated that one of the important features of the invention is the employment of a. comb of such a shape that the distance of the cutting zone from the scalp may be readily varied and while in the embodiment shown by the applicant, the comb bears a. fixed relationship to the cutting zone, it would be quite possible to provide the instrument with an auxiliary means for increasing the distance between the cutting 'zone and the comb to form the equivalent of a receding cutting zone.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A hair clipper comprising a supporting member, a planar cutting zone mounted on said supporting member, and means for maintaining the planar cutting Zone approximately parallel to a surface of hair to be clipped and perpendicular to the strands of hair thereon to compensate for a recession of the surface of hair away from a user of the clipper due to the curvature of the head, said means comprising a spacer member engaging the surface of the hair and having a surface receding outwardly from the hair clipper along a gentle curve from the cutting zone.

2. A hair clipper comprising a supporting member, a cutting plate serrated along opposite edges, a comb adjacent to said cutting plate having a double rO-W of tines in cutting engagement with said serrated edges, the tines of one of said rows being elongated and terminating a considerable distance beyond the adjacent outer edge of the serrated plate and the tines of the opposite row tapering to terminate at the outer edge of the serrated plate, and means for reciprocating the plate with respect to the comb.

3. A hair clipper comprising a supporting member, a cutting plate serrated along opposite edges, a comb adjacent to said cutting plate having a double row of tines in cutting engagement with said serrated edges, said comb including oppositely disposed rows of tines having a-generally, cresent shape cross-section and following a curvature commencing with a point near the tip of the teeth of a serrated edge of the cutting plate and terminating at a point substantially beyond the tip of the teeth of the other serrated edge of the cutting plate, and means for reciproeating the serrated cutting plate with respect to the comb.

4. A hair clipper comprising a supporting 1 edges rows of teeth, a comb having a row of 4 tapering tines oppositely disposed to a row of elongated tines and both in cutting relationship with the opposite rows of cutting teeth on the cutting plate, and means for reciprocating the teeth of the cutting plate on the tines of the comb to provide a cutting action, said means comprising a transverse channel in the cutting plate in which rides a rotating member driven by a suitable source of power.

6. A hair clipper comprising a supporting member, a cutting plate having along opposite edges rows of teeth, a comb having a row of tapering tines oppositely disposed to a row of elongated tines and both in cutting relationship with the opposite rows of cutting teeth on the cutting plate, and means for reciprocating the teeth of the cutting plate on the tines of the comb to provide a cutting action, said means comprising a transverse channel in the cutting plate in which,

rides a slide block driven by a rotating member having a thrust bearing therein pressed against the surface of the cutting plate whereby the cutting plate is pressed against the comb so that the means providing the two cutting zones are.

self-sharpening.

'7. A hair'clipper comprising a body member, a set of elongated tines and a set of shorter tines mounted on said body member adjacent each other, the registering position of'the two sets of tines constituting a cutting zone whereby a rotation of the body member about the ends of the elongated tines as a fulcrum will move the cutting zone toward or away from the surface of the hair being clipped, and means for reciprocating the set of shorter tines with respect to the elongated tines.

8. A hair clipper comprising a body member, a set of elongated lower tines and a set of shorter upper tines mounted on the body member adjacent each other, the registering position of the two sets of tines constituting a cutting zone, whereby a rotation of the body member about the ends of the lower tines as a fulcrum will move the cutting zone toward or away from the surface of the hair being clipped, and means for reciprocating the shorter upper set of tines with respect to the elongated lower tines.

9. A hair clipper comprising a body member, a set' of elongated tines and a set of shorter tines mounted on said body member adjacent each other, the registering position of the two sets of tines constituting a cutting zone, and a wall on the set of elongated tines inclined at an angle with respect to the cutting zone and diverging away therefrom constituting a guide for engaging a surface of the hair to be clipped, said cuttingzone adapted to be moved away from said surface upon rotation of said body about the ends of said elongated tines as a fulcrum.

10. A hair clipper comprising a supporting member, -a serrated cutting plate and a comb mounted on said supporting member, the tines of said comb terminating a considerable distance beyond the teeth of said plate thereby forming a receding cutting zone, and an approaching cutting zone also mounted on said supporting member including a serrated cutting plate and a comb wherein the tines of said last named comb terminate closely adjacent the teeth on said last named plate, as specified.

11. The combination of elements defined in claim 10 combined with means for moving either cutting zone into operable position.

12. The combination of elements defined in claim 10 combined with means for moving and holding either cutting zone into a plurality of operable positions.

13. The combination of elements defined in claim 10, wherein both of said cutting zones are mounted upon a pivotable member, and means for holding said pivotable member in any one of a plurality of operable positions.

14. The combination of elements defined in claim 10, wherein both of said cutting zones are mounted upon a pivotable member, notches concentric with the pivot of said member, and a yieldably 'held det'ent mounted on the supporting member for engaging any of said notches to thereby hold said member against rotation in any one of a plurality of operable positions.

LEO W. DOGGETT. 

